Qatar Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent will be here shortly to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Period
The starting lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The last moments is underway.
Racer Positions
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
